On Sunday (April 1) a flurry of tax and benefit changes will come into effect.

They include changes to universal credit, the minimum wage and car tax. The state pension is also changing, council tax is going up and more help is being offered to people on housing benefit. Meanwhile, a benefit for homeowners in hard times is ending.

Universal Credit is the new benefit for people of working age who are on a low income or out of work.

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It is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and replaces a series of benefits that existed before the Conservative government took power.

When fully rolled out the Universal Credit will replace housing benefits, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, working tax credit, child tax credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and income support.

Universal Credit is being rolled across Cornwall and will be in place fully by June

In Cornwall, the full service roll-out of Universal Credit started before Christmas in north Cornwall and is expected to be completed by June this year when the Isles of Scilly come online.

Changes were made to the Universal Credit system as a result of problems affecting lengthy payment waits for people and were announced by Chancellor Phillip Hammond in his Autumn Budget.

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The £1.5bn package of measures around Universal Credit means households which qualify for Universal Credit are able to access one month’s worth of support within five days, via an interest free advance that can be repaid over 12 months.

Changes are also being made which will make it easier for claimants in the private rented sector to continue having their housing costs paid directly to landlords once they are on Universal Credit.

In addition, from April 2018, housing benefit will continue to be paid for two weeks after a Universal Credit claim is made.

However the changes mean that some people who have received their benefits on a weekly basis will now receive their Universal Credit monthly meaning they will have to budget differently.

The Universal Credit is being rolled out across Cornwall this year (Image: Getty Images)

Universal Credit is paid differently from other benefits. Claimants will get a single payment every month to cover your living costs. This will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. If you don’t have a bank account you’ll need to open one.

If you make a joint claim as a couple, you’ll get a single payment for both of you. If you’re in debt or behind on your rent payments, you can ask to be paid more often - this is called an ‘alternative payment arrangement’.

Cornwall Council said it has been working with local Jobcentres to ensure that there is help and support available for those who may have difficulties when they start claiming Universal Credit.

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A spokesman said: "This includes advice and guidance on managing money and living within a monthly budget, help to make and maintain Universal Credit claims online, and help with applications for Council Tax Support and discretionary housing payments."

Who is affected by Universal Credit?

Between December 2017 and June 2018 new claims to Universal Credit will become available to everyone whether they are in or out of work.

Some changes were announced in the Autumn Budget on 22 November to provide extra support for people who are making a new claim for Universal Credit.

The extra help includes:

from January 2018 extending the repayment of Universal Credit advances from 6 to 12 months, and allowing people to receive 100% of their payment upfront

from February 2018 the seven-day waiting period at the start of a Universal Credit claim will be removed, this means that the wait for a first payment will be reduced from six weeks to five weeks

making it easier for claimants to continue having their housing costs paid directly to landlords once they are on Universal Credit.

How do I claim Universal Credit?

Where can I get help with Universal Credit?

Money management - Cornwall Council is working with Jobcentres to provide advice and guidance on managing money and living within a monthly budget.

This free service is open to anyone claiming Universal Credit. Claimants can talk to a work coach at their local Jobcentre, or ring Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 121, option 5, and ask to talk to someone about personal budget support.

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Council Tax Support – Universal Credit doesn’t include help to pay council tax. Claimants must make a separate claim for Council Tax Support direct to Cornwall Council.

Discretionary housing payments – Discretionary housing payments are for claimants who are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit and need more help with their housing costs.

Discretionary housing payments can pay some or all of the shortfall between the amount of rent and the level of benefit a claimant is already receiving.

Getting online – Cornwall Council is working with Jobcentres to provide support for people who need extra help to make and maintain their claim online.

Claimants can talk to a work coach at their local Jobcentre or ring Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 121, option 5, and ask to talk to someone about IT support for their Universal Credit claim.